Israel Authority Faces Petition Over Killing of Stray Dogs Near Nature Reserves

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) is facing legal pressure to halt its practice of shooting stray dogs near nature reserves, following a petition filed by the animal rights organization Let the Animals Live on February 19.

The petition alleges that the INPA killed approximately 1,300 stray dogs in 2025, a significant increase from the 794 dogs killed in 2024, according to data obtained by Let the Animals Live. The organization argues that the INPA’s method of dealing with stray dogs – shooting them – is both cruel and violates Israeli law.

Let the Animals Live claims the INPA’s “Procedure for Treating Feral Dogs” contradicts Israel’s Animal Cruelty Law, rabies ordinances, and previous rulings by the High Court of Justice. Specifically, the organization contends that the procedure prioritizes shooting over non-lethal alternatives, despite a High Court ruling mandating the exhaustion of all other options before resorting to euthanasia.

The petition further asserts that the legal framework, including the Rabies Ordinance, requires approval from a government veterinarian for the killing of any animal, or that the shooting be justified by the need to protect wildlife or preserve nature.

The legal challenge follows a recent incident at the IDF’s Zikim training base, where around 30 dogs were reportedly killed. Following that incident, Let the Animals Live appealed to the INPA, requesting a revision of its procedures to align with animal cruelty laws. The organization proposed capturing the dogs and transferring them to municipal kennels as a non-lethal alternative.

“The cruel shooting of stray dogs by the Nature and Parks Authority for years must stop,” Let the Animals Live stated in a press release. The organization cites international public and animal health organizations, arguing that mass killings of dogs are ineffective in preventing the spread of rabies or controlling the stray dog population.

According to a report published by Let Live, in 2024, at least 1006 dogs were killed using poison arrows, and the INPA personnel shot 792 dogs, compared with 586 dogs in the previous year.

The INPA has not yet publicly responded to the petition. The Jerusalem District Court has scheduled a hearing to consider the case.